Only 70 km up the road from Valentino's is the MX:US Border at Tecate. On the Mexican side, the City of Tecate with 102,406 inhabitants. On the US side - nothing! Just a Border Post and countryside.
Following Trump's pontifications and the US Embassy's warnings (Thanks Neuman!), we approached Tecate with some apprehension. Veterans of 17 international borders so far, this one was the big one for us - and getting Pablo through The Wall felt a daunting prospect!
Finding the Mexican side of the Border was the hardest part. We needed exit stamps in our Passports and clearance for Pablo to leave Mexico - together with the return of our $400 Deposit! Drove round town several times looking for Migracion & Aduana without success, eventually ending up at the Border Gates to the USA! Veering sharp left and after muchos negociacion with Armed Troops, Policia and Aduana Officials, we found our way to the Passport Stamping/ Deposit Returning/ Vehicle Checking backstreet building - after reversing the wrong way up a One-way Street - and were cleared to exit Mexico!!!
Entry to the USA was a breeze in comparison. Drove up to the Border Booth - showed our British Passports - complete with US B1/B2 Multiple Entry Tourist Visas - answered a few straightforward questions. "Any Drugs?", "No". "Any Guns?", "No". "Reason for Entry?", "Vacation". Continued to the Secondary Station where we were required to purchase a CBP 1-94A Permit for $6 each. And we're through The Wall! "Have a Nice Day" they said to us as we drove out of the gates and into California!
Celebrating our success American style we drove straight to Starbucks and ordered a Strawberry Green Tea Infusion + Latte Macchiato which we knocked back whilst booking ourselves a King Room at Econo Lodge in El Cajun, San Diego East. Only accommodation available in San Diego for under $100!!
Fans of 'My Name is Earl'? Whole cast was there at Econo Lodge, El Cajun. After Dinner at Taco Shop nextdoor they welcomed us to their domain as we Crooklocked Pablo and treble locked our Bedroom Door. God Bless America!!
